According to various rumors, Apple has plans to further increase its luxury level this year with the introduction of three new Ultra products. The Apple Watch Ultra is now a well-known player in their range and is appreciated by users. To further expand this line, Apple plans to launch three new Ultra products this year.
Within this line you may soon find an iPhone Ultra, AirPods Ultra and MacBook Ultra, each with unique features that differ from the regular models. In this article we discuss what we know about these Ultra products, where they fit in the line and what they mean for you as an Apple user, especially if you opt for the best quality.
Apple’s meaning of Ultra
Within the Apple ecosystem, “Ultra” refers to the most advanced and powerful version within a product category, surpassing the regular Pro and Max models. This concept is especially recognizable by the Apple Watch Ultra, which was developed for extreme sports and outdoor use. It is also reflected in the ultra-powerful M chips, such as the M3 Ultra, which sit above the M Max series. Another example is CarPlay Ultra, which stands for an extensive and advanced version of CarPlay.
With the new iPhone Ultra, AirPods Ultra and MacBook Ultra, Apple seems to be expanding this label to other product lines, with Ultra always meaning an extra premium layer: more functions, higher performance, special sensors and perhaps also a significantly higher price.
Phone Ultra: Apple’s first foldable iPhone
The iPhone Ultra, also called ‘iPhone Fold’ in some reports, is said to be Apple’s first foldable iPhone. The concept involves having a compact device in your pocket, which opens up to a screen size similar to that of an iPad mini, offering significantly more space for multitasking and media viewing.
Rumors point to a 5.5-inch screen on the outside and a 7.8-inch OLED panel on the inside, both with high resolution and possibly support for multiple app windows at once.
This would make the iPhone Ultra closer to an iPad in terms of user experience, while still retaining smartphone functions. The iPhone Ultra is expected to be presented in September as a new top model alongside the iPhone 18 Pro series.
AirPods Ultra: high-end earphones with extra sensors
In addition to the iPhone Ultra, there are also rumors circulating about the AirPods Ultra, a new premium in-ear headset that goes beyond the usual upgrades of the AirPods Pro. The exact design remains unclear, but it is suggested that Apple is implementing more ‘intelligence’ into the hardware here, rather than just focusing on improved noise cancellation or battery life.
According to rumors, the earphones may be equipped with infrared cameras or similar sensors that support hand and finger gestures. This would make it possible to switch between different modes, play audio or activate functions with simple hand movements.
Additionally, the cameras can also be used for Apple Intelligence features like Visual Intelligence and environmental anticipation, allowing you to ask Siri questions about your environment without having to use your iPhone. If this is true, the AirPods Ultra would be both a music and interaction device.
MacBook Ultra: a premium laptop with OLED touchscreen?
The MacBook Ultra has been circulating in the rumor world for some time as a new premium laptop that clearly differentiates itself from the regular MacBook Pro line. Although details are scarce, experts mainly point to an OLED screen with touchscreen, Dynamic Island and a new, slimmer design.
Combined with the expected improvements in CPU and GPU performance, support for 5G and a touch-friendly version of macOS 27, the MacBook Ultra could be an attractive alternative for users who want to get the most out of a premium laptop.
Is release in 2026 feasible?
It is almost certain that Apple is working on a new, higher tier within its existing product groups. We can expect the first new products later this year, but it is not yet 100% certain whether all three Ultra products will actually be unveiled in 2026.
Reliable rumors point to delays due to problems with the production of memory chips, causing important updates to arrive later than expected. Mark Gurman, Bloomberg’s Apple analyst, reports that a global shortage of RAM chips is causing this. Large AI data centers are using available inventory, disrupting the supply of consumer products and forcing Apple to adjust their schedule. Apple may also decide to prioritize these ultra products over cheaper alternatives.